Natasha Donovan

Miikwan and Dez are in their final year of high school. Poised at the edge of the rest of their lives, they have a lot to decide on. Miikwan and her boyfriend, Riel, are preparing for university, but Dez isn’t sure if that’s what they want for their future.

Grief and anger take precedence over their plans after the remains of 215 children are found at a former residential school in British Columbia. The teens struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of injustice. Can they find the strength to channel their frustration into action towards a more hopeful future?

We Are the Medicine is the moving final volume of the best-selling Surviving the City series.

Reviews
"Tasha's graphic novel gives us an unflinching view of youth sovereignty and the reclamation of Indigenous philosophy and sacred spaces in Winnipeg's core. Guided by an Elder, the friends at the centre of the story confront uncomfortable truths that have sustained our colonial past, riding on the edge of emotions and activism to uphold the integrity of their ancestors. A must-read for all youth who want to build an equitable, just society." — Elder Albert McLeod, author of Between the Pipes

“A fantastic read for teens to learn about Indigenous issues through a clear and accurate representation.” — Youth Services Book Review

"Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the news of 215 children’s remains at the Kamloops Residential School, this graphic novel delves into the profound impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. The story explores the friends’ reflections on these traumatic truths, their emotional responses, and their struggle to process their personal histories. While potentially triggering, when used in a supportive educational setting, this novel offers a powerful, personal, and engaging way for students to grasp the lasting impact of residential schools and the ongoing reality of racism faced by Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, the book is a narrative of healing, acknowledging the challenges that come with this process for all Canadians. Though part of a series, it can also be used as a stand-alone resource." - Jackie L., Educator & Indigenous Voice Consultant, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

This is the third volume in the Surviving the City graphic novel series, which is also part of the Debwe Series. 

Surviving the City is a contemporary graphic novel series about young Indigenous women navigating their way in an urban environment. It includes:

Surviving the City
From the Roots Up
We Are the Medicine 

A Teacher Guide is available: Surviving the City Teacher Guide: Exploring Identity, Allyship, and Social Action for Meaningful Change in Grades 7-12 

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 8 to 12 for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Caution: This work's topics include residential schools, death, violence, police brutality, and racism.

Themes: Coming of Age, Community, Connection to Culture, Healing, Residential Schools.

Additional Information
64 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

In Nunavut, there are lots of fun things to do, no matter the season. This book introduces children to the memoir genre and describes different activities the author did when she was growing up in Nunavut.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic.  It is a Level 12 book in the series. 

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P Level is N.

Recommended for ages 6-8.

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 8.00"

A heartwarming book from creators of Indigenous and Métis descent about the power of story and tradition to help navigate change

How does a strange new place become home?

When Ojiig moves to the city with his family, he misses everything they left behind. Most of all, he misses the sparkling night sky. Without the stars watching over him, he feels lost.

His parents try to help, but nothing seems to work. Not glow-in-the-dark sticker stars, not a star-shaped nightlight. But then they have a new idea for how to make Ojiig feel better — a special quilt stitched through with family stories that will wrap Ojiig in the warmth of knowing who he is and where he came from. Join this irresistible family as they discover the power of story and tradition to make a new place feel like home.

Reviews
"Luby (Anishinaabe) and Donovan (Métis) have created a story of identity that is grounded in a specific community with universal themes that will appeal to many readers…useful for classes engaging in discussions about cultural identity, migration, and remaining connected to one’s culture…Highly recommended.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Luby’s lyrical text and Donovan’s vibrant…illustrations combine to powerfully convey universal themes about change and the strength of family.”—Horn Book, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover